John Rigsby - Forks Of The Ivy

(Hay Holler HH-CD-1350) 2000

Average Album Rating: 4(Total votes 2)

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★★★★★

This album was recorded in late 1999 at River Track studios in Louisa, Ky. Described by John Rigsby as "a sort of tribute to my favorite singers" the material is largely drawn from the likes of The Sloas Brothers, Charlie Monroe and a 1973 Charlie Moore tribute to Clyde Moody.

I reckon the best 'bluegrass' music is timeless, and this album is definitely up there in the top drawer. Although Rigsby was only 25 when it was recorded, it has a depth of feeling to it that eludes many performers. I suppose it shouldn't come as a surprise given that John learnt the nuances of the fiddle from The Sloas Brothers[1], or that he grew up in the Sandy Hook/Isonville area of Kentucky...

The album features two Sloas Brothers numbers: Queen Of The Bar originally from The Sloas Brothers 'I'm Going Home Again' (REM LP-1023) 1967 LP and Struttin' Rooster which is performed as a fiddle/banjo number with the late Kenny Sloas.[2]

Charlie Monroe also appears to have been a big influence, as four numbers are taken from his repertoire: Red Rocking Chair, Crying Heart Blues, Walking With You In My Dreams and Weep And Cry. Ralph also later cut Walking With You In My Dreams with Ralph II on Side By Side, no doubt influenced by John. (He also suggested Ralph record the Sloas' Loving Grace Of God on My All And All.)

Charlie Moore's 'A Tribute To Clyde Moody' (Old Homestead OHS-90033) 1973 also seems to have been influential, as four songs (I'll Still Be Around If You Need Me, Leaf Of Love, Jealous Heart, and Whispering Pine) are featured on both albums.

There are also two wonderfully rustic sounding a cappella songs, featuring John's cousin Don Rigsby. Mother Dear At Home is simply spell-binding, whilst Up Haste To Calvary, lined by Elder Jerry Brown would make Ralph proud.[3]

The title cut, Forks Of The Ivy is a catchy original by John, performed as a fiddle/banjo duet, with Kenny Sloas on clawhammer.

Most tracks are backed by John McNeely, Jason Hale and the late Dale Vanderpool, all of whom I believe were in the Goins Brothers at the time with John.

Nowadays this album isn't too easy to find, but it's definitely worth picking up if you're lucky enough to find a copy!

John Rigsby: mandolin, fiddle, vocals

David Bowling: bass (a)

Elder Jerry Brown: lining out vocal (b)

Jason Hale: bass (c)

John McNeely: guitar (d)

Don Rigsby: vocal (e)

Kenny Sloas: banjo (f)

Dale Vanderpool: banjo (g)

(a) bass on (1), (9) and (14)
(b) lining out and lead vocal on (16)
(c) bass on all tracks except (1), (4), (7), (9), (13), (14) and (16)
(d) guitar on all tracks except (4), (7), (13) and (16)
(e) vocal on (7) and (16)
(f) banjo on (4) and (13)
(g) banjo on all tracks except (4), (7), (13) and (16)